Solar parks could make up for rooftops

 

Very recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the doubling of envisaged capacity through solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects from 20 GW to 40 GW. The Centre has targeted at least 50 solar parks, each with capacity of at least 500 mw, to come up all over the country by FY20. Financial support from the Centre for this additional 20 GW of grid-connected solar capacity would be to the tune of Rs.8,100 crore. It may be recalled that 20 GW worth of Solsolar parks, 34 in number, are already under various stages of development. The original scheme of solar parks was launched in December 2014.

Tariff-based bidding: A game changer for wind energy

 

In early 2011, it became mandatory for all power procurement to be made through the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) mechanism. The TBCB philosophy ensures that the procurer of power gets the best possible tariff. There is no distinction between public or private sector suppliers of power. While much efficiency has been achieved through the TBCB modality in conventional power, the positive impact of TBCB is now being felt in the renewable sector as well.